1920 PS Pump Buzz - How to bleed?

[dsutt]

While running my 1920 yesterday, I noticed an intermittent whine/buzz from the front end that seemed to track when I turned the steering wheel. I could make it stop my adjusting the rpm, but by the time I got it back to the barn, it was a constant screech. Sounds like maybe my power steering pump is going bellyup. I've looked in the owners manual for hydraulic bleed screws on either the PS pump or hydraulic pump, but it says nothing about it. I'm thinking cavitation due to air.
Does anyone have experience bleeding these systems?
Can these pumps be rebuilt - anyone sell kits for them?
Any decent online parts suppliers that might sell pumps?

Thanks - dan

 

[Soundguy]

Have you checked your PS pump resevoir?

Do find the problem vs running it till you find the problem. If it is pump cavitation.. prolonged use WILL kill the pump.

In any case.. if the PS system is out of oil, refill, and if possible, jack the front end up and run it back and forth.. lock to lock.. add UTF fluid as needed to keep the resv where it is suposed to be after bleeding.

3pt oil will be from the common sump. There should be a dipstick by your right toe ( on the gear 12/4 models anyway). Check your belts too.. loose dry belts or oil belts will squeal.. prime cause for a wet belt can be a pinhole in a radiator hose.. I had that on my 1920 once... fan distributed the coolant -everywhere-...

post back what you find.

Soundguy

 

[dsutt]

Soundguy - thanks.
I checked the reservoir and it was full. No coolant leaks either. I started it and no squeal; ran the steering to the stops and no problems. What the ?
I'm still not convinced something won't go on me when in the field - but for now it's running fine.
I talked to a mechanic about bleeding either the PS or hydraulic system and he could not remember any special bleed screws. He said to just crack the high pressure lines while running and close them off when fluid shoots out. Sounds like gloves and eye protection might be useful for that!
Have you bled either system when you had your 1920?

dan

 

[Soundguy]

I've never bleed either.

The 3pt will self bleed because the seals in the 3pt lift cyl simply won't hold back air for very long.. and it will bleed out.. plus when you 'unload' the 3pt.. the oil will exhaust... Repeated lifting and lowering.. especially under laod will bleed the 3pt.

If my steering was bone dry including the lines.. I'd disconnect a line till i got oil.. both side.. then hook up.. run it some back and forth.. and keep an eye on the PS resv.. However in your case.. I -really- doubt that will be needed.

When i did hyd drains and refills.. i did nothing special except fill the hyd filter up and install it... 3pt never gave me an issue...

As for high pressure.. I'd not crack those lines.. but rather remove them from the steering.. -IF- I was going to do it.. High pressure fuel or oil under the skin=trip to the hospital and possible life threatoning infections... With the lines loose and open.. you get flow with no appreciable pressure.. in any case.. i don't think you need to bleed them.

Perhaps yuo had some dust or moisture ont he belt and it squealed a bit?

Try letting the belt rub against a wax candle for a few seconds .. makes a good dressing.. etc.. Oh.. and be safe.. don't get sucked into the belt!!

Soundguy

 

[RickB]

Bleeding the pump is not required. Any trapped air in the system can be purged by making sure the reservoir is full then cycling the steering lock to lock about 3 times with the tractor running. Raising the front axle is optional during this procedure. The P/S reservoir doubles as a power steering system filter. Sounds as if yours is plugged. You might get away with a drain & fill of the reservoir but it is likely that the canister section of the reservior needs to be replaced.